Nearly a quarter of the Senate – 23 members from both sides of the aisle – come to the White House today. The agenda: an energy and climate bill. The President wants one by the end of the year – now the House passed a bill last year and a similar Senate bill – sponsored by John Kerry and Joe Lieberman – was introduced last month.
But like healthcare, the number of Republicans supporting the bill is a big fat zero. Even Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid thinks an energy & climate bill will be tougher than health care – if you can believe that. The BP oil spill is a complicating factor, but one the White House is using to make its case for 21st-century energy - wind and solar power, for instance - as opposed to oil.
Speaking of the oil spill, Vice-President Biden makes his first visit to the spill zone today. He'll visit New orleans and Pensacola, FL - but no beaches, visits to marshland or boat trips appear to be on the agenda.
In the afternoon – another tough bill is on Obama’s radar: immigration. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus will visit. The dilemma for both Republicans and Democrats here: crack down on illegals and risk the election-year wrath of the fast-growing Hispanic bloc – or woo them by making concessions – which may alienate other voters.
Obama has another guest today – one who’s come a lot farther than Capitol Hill – it’s Saudi King Abdullah. The agenda includes everything from the Mideast peace process to Iran – the Saudis are very nervous about Iran and its growing power in the region. The Saudis have signaled privately they’d like to see Iran contained – a goal the White House certainly shares.
Day two of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Today she'll take questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee. Kagan's mission: answer questions respectfully, while saying as little as possible. She and her White House handlers have been practicing answers to anticipated questions for weeks.
Meantime, Vice-President Biden makes his first visit to the oil spill zone today. He'll visit New Orleans and Pensacola, FL - but no beaches, visits to marshland or boat trips appear to be on the agenda.
*****
President's Schedule
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:50AM THE PRESIDENT meets with a bipartisan group of senators to discuss passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation this year
Cabinet Room
Pool spray at the bottom (Gather Time 11:30AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:05PM THE PRESIDENT has a working lunch with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
Old Family Dining Room
Closed Press
2:10PM THE PRESIDENT holds a meeting with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
Oval Office
Pool Spray at the Top (Gather Time 2:00PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
3:40PM THE PRESIDENT meets with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
State Dining Room
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
2:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
Telephone service for West Wing Report – is made possible by Grasshopper.com. Supporting entrepreneurs nationwide – Grasshopper.com. http://bit.ly/9i93mH
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
West Wing Report: June 28, 2010
President's Schedule
After a long weekend in Toronto at the G-8 and G-20 summits, President Obama is out of the public eye today. In addition to his usual intelligence, economic and staff briefings, he'll meet at 3:15 with what the White House calls "grassroots leaders" to discuss immigration legislation.
Tuesday: he'll meet with bipartisan Senate leaders to discuss energy/climate legislation. He'll also welcome Saudi King Abdullah to the White House.
Wednesday: Obama travels to Wisconsin for another of his "White House to Main Street"events designed to focus on jobs and the economy.
Friday: we'll get the big June unemployment report. The jobless rate is expected to remain at 9.7%.
The Death of Senator Byrd
The week is off to a sad start, with the dawn announcement that Sen. Robert Byrd, (D-W.Va.) has passed away. While hardly unexpected - Byrd was 92 and in failing health - his death still comes as a bit of a shock, as the passing of such a momentous figure usually does.
And what a figure he was. The longest-serving member of Congress in American history. Elected to the Senate nine times. A parliamentary titan who will go down in the history books as one of the most consequential of Senators. Flags over the Capitol and White House were quickly lowered to half-staff, and tributes from both sides of the aisle poured in.
In a statement this morning, President Obama said: "The people of West Virginia have lost a true champion, the United States Senate has lost a venerable institution, and America has lost a voice of principle and reason with the passing of Robert C. Byrd." The President added "Senator Byrd’s story was uniquely American. He was born into wrenching poverty, but educated himself to become an authoritative scholar, respected leader, and unparalleled champion of our Constitution. He scaled the summit of power, but his mind never strayed from the people of his beloved West Virginia. He had the courage to stand firm in his principles, but also the courage to change over time."
Vice-President Biden was equally eloquent. Speaking in Kentucky, he remembered what Byrd did for him back in 1972 - after the tragic accident that took the life of Biden's wife and daughter. Byrd, he said, was "a guy who was there when I was a 29-year-old kid being sworn into the United States Senate shortly thereafter; a guy who stood in the rain, in a pouring rain, freezing rain outside a church as I buried my daughter and my wife before I got sworn in, Robert C. Byrd. He passed away today. He was the -- we lost the dean of the United States Senate, but also the state of West Virginia lost its most fierce advocate and, as I said, I lost a dear friend."
Arrangements haven't been made public yet, but the President and Vice-President will certainly participate.
Kagan Hearings Underway
Although Elena Kagan is expected to be confirmed for the Supreme Court, don't think her hearings, which began today, will lack for drama. Kagan has never been a judge and therefore has no record for Republicans to pick apart. So instead they'll say this lack of a paper trail shows she doesn't have the experience to sit on the high court. They'll also paint her as - gasp - a liberal and say she'll inject her personal views into her judicial rulings.
Kagan and her White House handlers know all of this, of course, and have spent weeks practicing answers to a wide range of anticipated questions. At the end of the day, he advice given to the solicitor general and former dean of the Harvard Law School is simple: answer the Senate's questions respectfully - while saying as little as possible.
Petaraeus Cakewalk
Speaking of confirmation hearings, even Republicans predict Gen. David Petraeus - Obama's choice to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as commander of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan - will be quickly and easily confirmed. Senate Armed Services Committee hearings begin tomorrow.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
After a long weekend in Toronto at the G-8 and G-20 summits, President Obama is out of the public eye today. In addition to his usual intelligence, economic and staff briefings, he'll meet at 3:15 with what the White House calls "grassroots leaders" to discuss immigration legislation.
Tuesday: he'll meet with bipartisan Senate leaders to discuss energy/climate legislation. He'll also welcome Saudi King Abdullah to the White House.
Wednesday: Obama travels to Wisconsin for another of his "White House to Main Street"events designed to focus on jobs and the economy.
Friday: we'll get the big June unemployment report. The jobless rate is expected to remain at 9.7%.
The Death of Senator Byrd
The week is off to a sad start, with the dawn announcement that Sen. Robert Byrd, (D-W.Va.) has passed away. While hardly unexpected - Byrd was 92 and in failing health - his death still comes as a bit of a shock, as the passing of such a momentous figure usually does.
And what a figure he was. The longest-serving member of Congress in American history. Elected to the Senate nine times. A parliamentary titan who will go down in the history books as one of the most consequential of Senators. Flags over the Capitol and White House were quickly lowered to half-staff, and tributes from both sides of the aisle poured in.
In a statement this morning, President Obama said: "The people of West Virginia have lost a true champion, the United States Senate has lost a venerable institution, and America has lost a voice of principle and reason with the passing of Robert C. Byrd." The President added "Senator Byrd’s story was uniquely American. He was born into wrenching poverty, but educated himself to become an authoritative scholar, respected leader, and unparalleled champion of our Constitution. He scaled the summit of power, but his mind never strayed from the people of his beloved West Virginia. He had the courage to stand firm in his principles, but also the courage to change over time."
Vice-President Biden was equally eloquent. Speaking in Kentucky, he remembered what Byrd did for him back in 1972 - after the tragic accident that took the life of Biden's wife and daughter. Byrd, he said, was "a guy who was there when I was a 29-year-old kid being sworn into the United States Senate shortly thereafter; a guy who stood in the rain, in a pouring rain, freezing rain outside a church as I buried my daughter and my wife before I got sworn in, Robert C. Byrd. He passed away today. He was the -- we lost the dean of the United States Senate, but also the state of West Virginia lost its most fierce advocate and, as I said, I lost a dear friend."
Arrangements haven't been made public yet, but the President and Vice-President will certainly participate.
Kagan Hearings Underway
Although Elena Kagan is expected to be confirmed for the Supreme Court, don't think her hearings, which began today, will lack for drama. Kagan has never been a judge and therefore has no record for Republicans to pick apart. So instead they'll say this lack of a paper trail shows she doesn't have the experience to sit on the high court. They'll also paint her as - gasp - a liberal and say she'll inject her personal views into her judicial rulings.
Kagan and her White House handlers know all of this, of course, and have spent weeks practicing answers to a wide range of anticipated questions. At the end of the day, he advice given to the solicitor general and former dean of the Harvard Law School is simple: answer the Senate's questions respectfully - while saying as little as possible.
Petaraeus Cakewalk
Speaking of confirmation hearings, even Republicans predict Gen. David Petraeus - Obama's choice to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as commander of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan - will be quickly and easily confirmed. Senate Armed Services Committee hearings begin tomorrow.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Friday, June 25, 2010
West Wing Report: June 25, 2010
President Obama heads to Toronto this morning for weekend meetings with leaders from the world's top industrialized nations - the so-called G-8 and broader G-20 summits. Obama has been working the phones for the last week or so, telling other leaders he’s worried that the global economy is still weak, and that the U.S. and other countries should not back away too quickly on stimulus plans.
Obama will arrive knowing that a key goal of his administration is a step closer to fruition: a landmark bill overhauling financial regulations. It would be th ebiggest overhaul since the Great Depression and change the way markets and the government interact for decades to come. Both the House and Senate are expected to vote on final legislation within days, and the President could sign a bill by July 4th. Here are the key points:
Derivatives: For most of the 20th century, there was a wall - called the Glass-Steagall Act - between your bank and big Wall Street investment banks; one couldn't dabble in the other's business. That wall came down in 1999 and a decade later came the near collapse of the U.S. economy. That wall is now being rebuilt, meaning commercial lenders won't be able to underwrite or trade things like mortgage-backed securities or collateralized debt obligations that are widely blamed for the market collapse.
Consumer Bureau: The bill would create an independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which would would write and enforce rules for most banks, mortgage lenders, credit-card and private student loan companies. The "CFPB" would be part of the Federal Reserve.
Credit Scores: You've always been able to get free credit reports from private-sector companies like Equifax or Eperian. Now you'll be able to see if your credit score (your FICO) has been hurt by anything in these reports, which will help when and if you apply for a loan.
Mortgages: Those "liar loans" that helped banks give hundreds of thousands of dollars to applicants who couldn't afford them are a thing of the past. Sensible as it may seem, lenders will have to check borrowers’ income and assets. Many lenders that didn't do this during the real estate boom are now out of business. Other rules include a ban on prepayment penalties for people with adjustable rate and other more complex types of mortgages. And mortgage brokers will no longer be able to earn bonuses based on the type of loan they put you in.
Fiduciary Duty: The Securities and Exchange Commission will create a a new rule for brokers that requires them to put their clients’ interests first - as opposed to trying to generate fees for themselves by sell clients products they don't need.
*****
Unemployment Benefits Expiring
Speaking of the economy, the White House this morning is blasting what it calls “obstructionism” by Senate Republicans for blocking more benefits for the unemployed. The Republicans say that’s not accurate. What IS accurate is that 1.3 million Americans will lose their final assistance this week, unless something is done.
Here’s the broader issue: States are looking at budget gaps of $127 billion dollars thru 2012. The gaps are so big, the Pew Center on the States is warning of "havoc" as they try and stem all the red ink. One top Wall Street analyst says the states may have to layoff some two million people.
The dilemma for the federal government: help the states again, and run up the deficit still more, or slash federal aid - and let the states cut all those jobs - including those of firemen, cops and teachers.
*****
President's Schedule
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Toronto, Canada
Lester B. Pearson International Airport
Travel Pool Coverage
11:20AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Muskoka, Canada
Deerhurst Resort Landing Zone, Muskoka, Canada
Travel Pool Coverage
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 working lunch
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT and G8 Leaders take a G8 Family Photo
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool Spray at the top
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT participates in G8 Session with African Outreach Leaders
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
4:45PM THE PRESIDENT participates in a G8 working session with African Outreach Leaders and Expanded Outreach Leaders
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
5:45PM THE PRESIDENT, G8 Leaders, African Outreach Leaders and Extended Outreach Leaders take a G8 Family Photo
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
7:30PM THE PRESIDENT and G8 Leaders meet with My Summit 2010 Youth
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
7:45PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 Working Dinner
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
9:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 Working Dinner
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
Obama will arrive knowing that a key goal of his administration is a step closer to fruition: a landmark bill overhauling financial regulations. It would be th ebiggest overhaul since the Great Depression and change the way markets and the government interact for decades to come. Both the House and Senate are expected to vote on final legislation within days, and the President could sign a bill by July 4th. Here are the key points:
Derivatives: For most of the 20th century, there was a wall - called the Glass-Steagall Act - between your bank and big Wall Street investment banks; one couldn't dabble in the other's business. That wall came down in 1999 and a decade later came the near collapse of the U.S. economy. That wall is now being rebuilt, meaning commercial lenders won't be able to underwrite or trade things like mortgage-backed securities or collateralized debt obligations that are widely blamed for the market collapse.
Consumer Bureau: The bill would create an independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which would would write and enforce rules for most banks, mortgage lenders, credit-card and private student loan companies. The "CFPB" would be part of the Federal Reserve.
Credit Scores: You've always been able to get free credit reports from private-sector companies like Equifax or Eperian. Now you'll be able to see if your credit score (your FICO) has been hurt by anything in these reports, which will help when and if you apply for a loan.
Mortgages: Those "liar loans" that helped banks give hundreds of thousands of dollars to applicants who couldn't afford them are a thing of the past. Sensible as it may seem, lenders will have to check borrowers’ income and assets. Many lenders that didn't do this during the real estate boom are now out of business. Other rules include a ban on prepayment penalties for people with adjustable rate and other more complex types of mortgages. And mortgage brokers will no longer be able to earn bonuses based on the type of loan they put you in.
Fiduciary Duty: The Securities and Exchange Commission will create a a new rule for brokers that requires them to put their clients’ interests first - as opposed to trying to generate fees for themselves by sell clients products they don't need.
*****
Unemployment Benefits Expiring
Speaking of the economy, the White House this morning is blasting what it calls “obstructionism” by Senate Republicans for blocking more benefits for the unemployed. The Republicans say that’s not accurate. What IS accurate is that 1.3 million Americans will lose their final assistance this week, unless something is done.
Here’s the broader issue: States are looking at budget gaps of $127 billion dollars thru 2012. The gaps are so big, the Pew Center on the States is warning of "havoc" as they try and stem all the red ink. One top Wall Street analyst says the states may have to layoff some two million people.
The dilemma for the federal government: help the states again, and run up the deficit still more, or slash federal aid - and let the states cut all those jobs - including those of firemen, cops and teachers.
*****
President's Schedule
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Toronto, Canada
Lester B. Pearson International Airport
Travel Pool Coverage
11:20AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Muskoka, Canada
Deerhurst Resort Landing Zone, Muskoka, Canada
Travel Pool Coverage
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 working lunch
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT and G8 Leaders take a G8 Family Photo
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool Spray at the top
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT participates in G8 Session with African Outreach Leaders
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
4:45PM THE PRESIDENT participates in a G8 working session with African Outreach Leaders and Expanded Outreach Leaders
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
5:45PM THE PRESIDENT, G8 Leaders, African Outreach Leaders and Extended Outreach Leaders take a G8 Family Photo
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
7:30PM THE PRESIDENT and G8 Leaders meet with My Summit 2010 Youth
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
7:45PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 Working Dinner
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
9:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 Working Dinner
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
Thursday, June 24, 2010
West Wing Report: June 24, 2010
In accepting the resignation “with considerable regret” of Gen. Stanley McChrystal as the top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, President Obama framed the argument well: this is about a sacrosanct component of American democracy: civilian control of the military. McChrystal’s jaw-droppingly indiscreet and insulting comments were nothing less than insubordination, and no President – certainly not one leading two wars – can tolerate such dissent.
"We have to remember what this is all about,” Obama said. “This nation is at war." He added "I welcome debate…but I will not tolerate division."
The President could have made yesterday's Rose Garden announcement alone. Instead, in a show of unity, Vice-President Biden, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen stood with him – along with Gen. David Petraeus, who Obama has nominated to fill McChrystal’s shoes.
Although the President praised McChrystal’s long record of service, his anger was reflected in his public rebuke of the General – something Obama rarely if ever does. That anger erupted Monday night when the President read the now infamous Rolling Stone article, which criticized nearly every member of Obama’s national security team - including the President himself.
But Obama said his sacking of the General wasn’t taken from “any sense of personal insult.“
“The conduct represented in the recently published article does not meet the standard that should be set by a commanding general,” the President said. “It undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system. And it erodes the trust that’s necessary for our team to work together to achieve our objectives in Afghanistan.”
"I've got great admiration for (McChrystal) and for his long record of service in uniform,” Obama said. "But war is bigger than any one man or woman, whether a private, a general, or a president. And as difficult as it is to lose General McChrystal, I believe that it is the right decision for our national security.“
Difficult as Iraq was, Petraeus says Afghanistan is a much more difficult situation: poor, remote, completely lacking in infrastructure. After nearly nine years there, the U.S. is fighting the same battle it fought back in 2001 – the battle for the hearts and minds of the Afghan people – even battles for the same land it won back then and later ceded to the Taliban. The U.S. war in Afghanistan, by the way, is now the longest in American history.
*****
Foreign policy dominates Obama’s schedule today as well. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visits. Iran, energy and trade will dominate – they’ll hold a news conference in the East Room this afternoon.
*****
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT holds bilateral meeting with President Medvedev
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT hold an expanded bilateral meeting with President Medvedev
Cabinet Room
Closed Press
1:45PM THE PRESIDENT holds a joint press conference with President Medvedev
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 12:45PM – Final Gather 1:15PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
3:05PM THE PRESIDENT attends the U.S.–Russia Business Summit with President Medvedev
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Travel Pool Coverage (Gather Time 2:45PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
*****
"We have to remember what this is all about,” Obama said. “This nation is at war." He added "I welcome debate…but I will not tolerate division."
The President could have made yesterday's Rose Garden announcement alone. Instead, in a show of unity, Vice-President Biden, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen stood with him – along with Gen. David Petraeus, who Obama has nominated to fill McChrystal’s shoes.
Although the President praised McChrystal’s long record of service, his anger was reflected in his public rebuke of the General – something Obama rarely if ever does. That anger erupted Monday night when the President read the now infamous Rolling Stone article, which criticized nearly every member of Obama’s national security team - including the President himself.
But Obama said his sacking of the General wasn’t taken from “any sense of personal insult.“
“The conduct represented in the recently published article does not meet the standard that should be set by a commanding general,” the President said. “It undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system. And it erodes the trust that’s necessary for our team to work together to achieve our objectives in Afghanistan.”
"I've got great admiration for (McChrystal) and for his long record of service in uniform,” Obama said. "But war is bigger than any one man or woman, whether a private, a general, or a president. And as difficult as it is to lose General McChrystal, I believe that it is the right decision for our national security.“
Difficult as Iraq was, Petraeus says Afghanistan is a much more difficult situation: poor, remote, completely lacking in infrastructure. After nearly nine years there, the U.S. is fighting the same battle it fought back in 2001 – the battle for the hearts and minds of the Afghan people – even battles for the same land it won back then and later ceded to the Taliban. The U.S. war in Afghanistan, by the way, is now the longest in American history.
*****
Foreign policy dominates Obama’s schedule today as well. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visits. Iran, energy and trade will dominate – they’ll hold a news conference in the East Room this afternoon.
*****
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT holds bilateral meeting with President Medvedev
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT hold an expanded bilateral meeting with President Medvedev
Cabinet Room
Closed Press
1:45PM THE PRESIDENT holds a joint press conference with President Medvedev
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 12:45PM – Final Gather 1:15PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
3:05PM THE PRESIDENT attends the U.S.–Russia Business Summit with President Medvedev
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Travel Pool Coverage (Gather Time 2:45PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
*****
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
President Sacks Gen. McChrystal
In accepting the resignation “with considerable regret” of Gen. Stanley McChrystal as the top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, President Obama framed the argument well: this is about a sacrosanct component of American democracy: civilian control of the military. McChrystal’s jaw-droppingly indiscreet comments were nothing less than insubordination, and no President – certainly not one leading two wars – can tolerate such dissent.
"We have to remember what this is all about,” Obama said. “This nation is at war." He added "I welcome debate…but I will not tolerate division."
The President could have made today’s Rose Garden announcement alone. Instead, in a show of unity, Vice-President Biden, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen stood with him – along with Gen. David Petraeus, who Obama has nominated to fill McChrystal’s shoes.
Although the President praised McChrystal’s long record of service, his anger was reflected in his public rebuke of the General – something Obama rarely if ever does. That anger erupted Monday night when the President read the now infamous Rolling Stone article, which criticized nearly every member of Obama’s national security team - including the President himself.
But Obama said his sacking of the General wasn’t taken from “any sense of personal insult. “
“The conduct represented in the recently published article does not meet the standard that should be set by a commanding general,” the President said. “It undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system. And it erodes the trust that’s necessary for our team to work together to achieve our objectives in Afghanistan.”
"I've got great admiration for (McChrystal) and for his long record of service in uniform,” Obama said. "But war is bigger than any one man or woman, whether a private, a general, or a president. And as difficult as it is to lose General McChrystal, I believe that it is the right decision for our national security.“
So what happens now? Petraeus, who briefly passed out during a Senate hearing last week (dehydration, we are told), will return for what will likely be an easy confirmation hearing. As for McChrystal, former Generals have no worries. He’ll go the usual consulting/corporate boards/TV/speeches route – this in addition to a hefty military pension.
"We have to remember what this is all about,” Obama said. “This nation is at war." He added "I welcome debate…but I will not tolerate division."
The President could have made today’s Rose Garden announcement alone. Instead, in a show of unity, Vice-President Biden, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen stood with him – along with Gen. David Petraeus, who Obama has nominated to fill McChrystal’s shoes.
Although the President praised McChrystal’s long record of service, his anger was reflected in his public rebuke of the General – something Obama rarely if ever does. That anger erupted Monday night when the President read the now infamous Rolling Stone article, which criticized nearly every member of Obama’s national security team - including the President himself.
But Obama said his sacking of the General wasn’t taken from “any sense of personal insult. “
“The conduct represented in the recently published article does not meet the standard that should be set by a commanding general,” the President said. “It undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system. And it erodes the trust that’s necessary for our team to work together to achieve our objectives in Afghanistan.”
"I've got great admiration for (McChrystal) and for his long record of service in uniform,” Obama said. "But war is bigger than any one man or woman, whether a private, a general, or a president. And as difficult as it is to lose General McChrystal, I believe that it is the right decision for our national security.“
So what happens now? Petraeus, who briefly passed out during a Senate hearing last week (dehydration, we are told), will return for what will likely be an easy confirmation hearing. As for McChrystal, former Generals have no worries. He’ll go the usual consulting/corporate boards/TV/speeches route – this in addition to a hefty military pension.
West Wing Report: June 23, 2010
West Wing Report: Judgment Day. Will President Obama fire his top general in Afghanistan for those incendiary comments in Rolling Stone magazine? The betting in most of Washington is that the General is through. More from Paul Brandus at the White House:
The Rolling Stone article. You know all about it by now: the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan damning in his criticism of key U.S. officials running the Afghan war – including the President himself.
But now Gen. Stanley McChrystal is singing a different tune.
McChrystal has apologized to half of official Washington, including Vice-President Biden and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who hand-picked the general for the job.
Today: more groveling. This time before the President himself, who has summoned the General to appear in person at today's national security meeting in the Situation Room. Obama says he’s made no decision yet:
"General McChrystal is on his way here and I am going to meet with him. Secretary Gates will be meeting with him, as well. I think it’s clear that the article in which he and his team appeared showed a poor -- showed poor judgment. And -- but I also want to make sure that I talk to him directly before I make any final decisions."
But it’s clear to just about everyone that the General simply cannot remain in such a position of authority. Sandra Erwin is the editor of National Defense magazine:
"The commander-in-chief may not be able to trust the general at this point. And once that trust is broken, he can't continue in that position. He has put himself in an untenable position. As for what it means for the war, for the troops, they need to have a commabder who has the full confidence of the commander-in-chief, meaning the president."
Meantime, the fighting in Afghanistan itself goes on. The U.S. death toll for this year is 183. Since U.S. combat operations began nearly nine years ago, 1,130 Americans have been killed in Afghanistan, which has now become the longest running war in American history.
At the White House – I’m Paul Brandus – West Wing Report – for Capitol News Connection.
*****
President's Schedule
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
11:35AM THE PRESIDENT meets with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan
Situation Room
Closed Press
1:10PM THE PRESIDENT has lunch with senators
Old Family Dining Room
Closed Press
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY attend the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition Event
Columbia Heights Educational Campus
In-Town Travel Pool Coverage (Gather Time 1:55PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
###
The Rolling Stone article. You know all about it by now: the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan damning in his criticism of key U.S. officials running the Afghan war – including the President himself.
But now Gen. Stanley McChrystal is singing a different tune.
McChrystal has apologized to half of official Washington, including Vice-President Biden and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who hand-picked the general for the job.
Today: more groveling. This time before the President himself, who has summoned the General to appear in person at today's national security meeting in the Situation Room. Obama says he’s made no decision yet:
"General McChrystal is on his way here and I am going to meet with him. Secretary Gates will be meeting with him, as well. I think it’s clear that the article in which he and his team appeared showed a poor -- showed poor judgment. And -- but I also want to make sure that I talk to him directly before I make any final decisions."
But it’s clear to just about everyone that the General simply cannot remain in such a position of authority. Sandra Erwin is the editor of National Defense magazine:
"The commander-in-chief may not be able to trust the general at this point. And once that trust is broken, he can't continue in that position. He has put himself in an untenable position. As for what it means for the war, for the troops, they need to have a commabder who has the full confidence of the commander-in-chief, meaning the president."
Meantime, the fighting in Afghanistan itself goes on. The U.S. death toll for this year is 183. Since U.S. combat operations began nearly nine years ago, 1,130 Americans have been killed in Afghanistan, which has now become the longest running war in American history.
At the White House – I’m Paul Brandus – West Wing Report – for Capitol News Connection.
*****
President's Schedule
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
11:35AM THE PRESIDENT meets with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan
Situation Room
Closed Press
1:10PM THE PRESIDENT has lunch with senators
Old Family Dining Room
Closed Press
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY attend the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition Event
Columbia Heights Educational Campus
In-Town Travel Pool Coverage (Gather Time 1:55PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
###
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
West Wing Report: June 22, 2010
Fore! Republicans think they can gain political advantage by criticizing the number of times President Obama has played golf. Obama has hit the links on a regular basis this spring – and the GOP thinks that’s the wrong message to send – especially while oil continues to spew into the Gulf. The administration disagrees. More from Paul Brandus at the White House.
The question: how much golf is too much – and is Obama’s golf comparable to BP Chairman Tony Hayward spending Saturday at a yacht race?
Good morning – I’m Paul Brandus and this is West Wing Report for Capitol News Connection. And that question was put to Bill Burton, the White House deputy press secretary.
"I don't think there's a person in this country who doesn't think that their president ought to have a little time to clear his mind."
It’s the toughest job in the world. Every President needs time off. Burton says just look at everything he did last week alone:
“And so after a week where the president was taking on the oil spill, got an historic agreement with BP to put aside $20 billion to pay claims; after a day on Friday when he strengthened lobby and ethics rules in the White House; after going to Ohio to talk about the economy and see the progress that’s being made and some of those stimulus projects that are happening around the country — all the different issues that the president is dealing with, I think that a little time to himself on Father’s Day weekend probably does us all good as American citizens that our president is taking that time,” Burton said.
E-mails and messages to West Wing Wing Report are mixed: One man writes: “Everyone needs an escape valve – especially whoever’s doing THAT job. But another says: “It’s insulting that our duffer-in-chief plays so much, where are the jobs?”
Shifting gears – it has been three months since that big healthcare bill was signed. The President meets this morning with insurance and state government officials to discuss how things are going.
Later – he’ll sit down with Defense Secretary Gates – this ahead of tomorrow’s national security meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan. And tonight – an event on the East Room marking Lesbian, Gay and Transgender Pride month.
*****
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:15AM THE PRESIDENT attends a meeting with health insurers and state insurance commissioners
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks regarding the ongoing effort to implement the new law and the new benefits it affords to families across the country
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 10:45AM – Final Call 11:15AM—North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:20PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:35PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:15PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT holds a Cabinet Meeting
Cabinet Room
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT attend remarks at an LGBT Pride Month event; THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks
East Room
Pooled Press (Pre-set 5:00PM – Gather Time 5:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
12:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
###
The question: how much golf is too much – and is Obama’s golf comparable to BP Chairman Tony Hayward spending Saturday at a yacht race?
Good morning – I’m Paul Brandus and this is West Wing Report for Capitol News Connection. And that question was put to Bill Burton, the White House deputy press secretary.
"I don't think there's a person in this country who doesn't think that their president ought to have a little time to clear his mind."
It’s the toughest job in the world. Every President needs time off. Burton says just look at everything he did last week alone:
“And so after a week where the president was taking on the oil spill, got an historic agreement with BP to put aside $20 billion to pay claims; after a day on Friday when he strengthened lobby and ethics rules in the White House; after going to Ohio to talk about the economy and see the progress that’s being made and some of those stimulus projects that are happening around the country — all the different issues that the president is dealing with, I think that a little time to himself on Father’s Day weekend probably does us all good as American citizens that our president is taking that time,” Burton said.
E-mails and messages to West Wing Wing Report are mixed: One man writes: “Everyone needs an escape valve – especially whoever’s doing THAT job. But another says: “It’s insulting that our duffer-in-chief plays so much, where are the jobs?”
Shifting gears – it has been three months since that big healthcare bill was signed. The President meets this morning with insurance and state government officials to discuss how things are going.
Later – he’ll sit down with Defense Secretary Gates – this ahead of tomorrow’s national security meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan. And tonight – an event on the East Room marking Lesbian, Gay and Transgender Pride month.
*****
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:15AM THE PRESIDENT attends a meeting with health insurers and state insurance commissioners
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks regarding the ongoing effort to implement the new law and the new benefits it affords to families across the country
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 10:45AM – Final Call 11:15AM—North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:20PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:35PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:15PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT holds a Cabinet Meeting
Cabinet Room
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT attend remarks at an LGBT Pride Month event; THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks
East Room
Pooled Press (Pre-set 5:00PM – Gather Time 5:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
12:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
###
Monday, June 21, 2010
Today in the West Wing: June 21, 2010
After being consumed by the oil spill for the last few weeks, President Obama pivots to foreign policy this week – mostly.
OK, Father’s Day was yesterday, but that’s not stopping Obama from holding a mentoring event for Dads today. It’s meant to show the importance of responsibility that comes with being a Dad.
Tuesday, the President meets with health insurance officials from around the country; he'll then host an event marking Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
Then comes the tough stuff.
With fresh concerns that the war in Afghanistan – already the longest in American history – is not going to plan – that, along with neighboring Pakistan – is the subject of a national security team meeting in the Situation Room on Wednesday.
Thursday, Obama welcomes Russian President Medvedev to the White House; their agenda includes Iran and nuclear proliferation.
And on Friday, it’s off to Canada for next weekend’s summit of G-8 and G-20 leaders.
Obama spent a quiet weekend here in Washington – Saturday he played golf – and on the way back – there was an incident involving the presidential motorcade.
Two men on bikes tried to cut through the motorcade a Secret Service agent, clad in black, quickly emerged from a vehicle – gun drawn. The Secret Service later told West Wing Report the bikers apparently never heard an order to stop, and when they got too close to the motorcade, that’s when the weapon was drawn. When the bikers realized the situation they were in, they complied with orders immediately.
*****
The Schedule
EDT
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a Father’s Day Event
Washington, DC
Pooled Press (Gather Time 9:25AM—North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a Father’s Day Mentoring Barbeque at the White House
South Lawn
Closed Press
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:15PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Press Briefing
###
OK, Father’s Day was yesterday, but that’s not stopping Obama from holding a mentoring event for Dads today. It’s meant to show the importance of responsibility that comes with being a Dad.
Tuesday, the President meets with health insurance officials from around the country; he'll then host an event marking Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
Then comes the tough stuff.
With fresh concerns that the war in Afghanistan – already the longest in American history – is not going to plan – that, along with neighboring Pakistan – is the subject of a national security team meeting in the Situation Room on Wednesday.
Thursday, Obama welcomes Russian President Medvedev to the White House; their agenda includes Iran and nuclear proliferation.
And on Friday, it’s off to Canada for next weekend’s summit of G-8 and G-20 leaders.
Obama spent a quiet weekend here in Washington – Saturday he played golf – and on the way back – there was an incident involving the presidential motorcade.
Two men on bikes tried to cut through the motorcade a Secret Service agent, clad in black, quickly emerged from a vehicle – gun drawn. The Secret Service later told West Wing Report the bikers apparently never heard an order to stop, and when they got too close to the motorcade, that’s when the weapon was drawn. When the bikers realized the situation they were in, they complied with orders immediately.
*****
The Schedule
EDT
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a Father’s Day Event
Washington, DC
Pooled Press (Gather Time 9:25AM—North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a Father’s Day Mentoring Barbeque at the White House
South Lawn
Closed Press
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:15PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Press Briefing
###
Friday, June 18, 2010
West Wing Report: June 18, 2010
"I think most of the skeptics have come around to the point that all the talk about the Recovery Act being dead on arrival and how it was going to be this great boondoggle and all the fraud and abuse that was going to occur and it wasn’t going to have much impact -- well, the fact is, the Recovery Act is working." - Vice-President Biden
Good morning, I’m Paul Brandus – and this is West Wing Report for the Capitol News Connection. Vice-President Biden had a slide show yesterday with lots of numbers to make his case that the $787 billion stimulus plan is working.
It’s true that the economy has grown for three quarters in a row now. The White House says you can thank the stimulus for that – and also for saving or creating around 2.5 million jobs.
But if that’s the case, then why is unemployment still close to 10%? The administration claimed it would top out at around 8%.
BIDEN: “…because every other major econometric model predicted the same thing, that we thought that unemployment wouldn’t go much above 8 percent. My point in my statement was this recession was so much deeper, so much more profound than anyone - most people thought it was.”
Meantime, more storm clouds on the horizon – at the state level. Even after two years of budget cuts and tax hikes, the states are looking at a total budget gap of $127 billion. Governors and Mayors have warned Biden what’s coming next:
BIDEN: “I have spoken to well over 140 mayors and county execs. I do this once a week for a couple hours -- an hour each with them. And privately every single one of them have thanked me for the Act. But one of the things they’ve all said -- every one of them -- you think my situation is bad in 2010, Mr. Vice President, it’s worse in 2011.”
And that means:
BIDEN: "So that’s why a lot of folks ask why do we think we need to continue to have some counter-cyclical help for the states and localities -- because essential services, teachers, cops, firefighters, they’re going to be laying an awful lot of those folks off.”
Just one reason, Biden argues – why the stimulus is so essential – and why, he says, it’ll continue.
From the White House press room -- I’m Paul Brandus -- West Wing Report – for the Capitol News Connection.
*****
The Schedule
In the morning, the President will travel to Columbus, Ohio. The departure from the South Lawn and the arrival at Port Columbus International Airport are open press.
In Columbus, the President will meet with workers and deliver remarks at the site of the 10,000th Recovery Act road project to get underway - the first of many significant Recovery Act milestones coming this summer. The road improvement project in downtown Columbus is expected to create over 300 construction jobs and will contribute to the broader economic development effort underway in the area around Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The President’s remarks are open press.
In the afternoon, the President will return to Washington, D.C. The departure from Port Columbus International Airport and the arrival on the South Lawn are open press.
Later, the President will meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: The Hill
Radio: FOX
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: AFP
Radio: CBS
EDT
11:40AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Columbus, Ohio
Port Columbus International Airport
Open Press
12:05PM THE PRESIDENT tours Recovery Act Highway Project site
East Livingston Avenue & Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio
Travel Pool Coverage
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the economy
East Livingston Avenue & Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio
Open Press
12:55PM THE PRESIDENT departs Columbus, Ohio en route Washington, DC
Port Columbus International Airport
Open Press
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One.
*****
Today in Presidential History
...On this day in 1798, President Adams passes the Naturalization Act, the first of four pieces of legislation known together as the Alien and Sedition Acts, which were aimed at foreign nationals living in the U.S.
Adams’s Alien and Sedition Acts give more authority to the federal government, to deal with “suspicious persons,” especially foreign nationals who immigrated to the U.S.
The Naturalization Act said aliens had to live in the U.S. for 14 years before applying for citizenship; an earlier law had required only five years of residence.
Political opposition to the Alien & Sedition Acts helped undermine the Adams administration, helping Thomas Jefferson to win the presidency in 1800.
...On this day in 1812: The day after Congress voted to declare war against Great Britain, President Madison signs the declaration into law--and the War of 1812 began.
The war of 1812 began after a British economic blockade of France, the induction of American seaman into the British Royal Navy against their will, and the British support of hostile Indian tribes along the Great Lakes.
During the war of 1812, the British burned the White House and Capitol, in response to U.S. troops burning British buildings in Canada.
*****
Presidential Quote
"As to the Presidency, the two happiest days of my life were those of my entrance upon the office and my surrender of it." - Martin van Buren
*****
Have a question/comment for West Wing Report? Call 1-866-USA-0021 (872-0021), or e-mail: westwingrpt@gmail.com. All opinions are welcome & respected.
And for White House updates throughout the day, follow "WestWingReport" (one word) on Twitter. The Atlantic magazine calls Paul "One of the top Washington Insiders you should be following on Twitter."
Good morning, I’m Paul Brandus – and this is West Wing Report for the Capitol News Connection. Vice-President Biden had a slide show yesterday with lots of numbers to make his case that the $787 billion stimulus plan is working.
It’s true that the economy has grown for three quarters in a row now. The White House says you can thank the stimulus for that – and also for saving or creating around 2.5 million jobs.
But if that’s the case, then why is unemployment still close to 10%? The administration claimed it would top out at around 8%.
BIDEN: “…because every other major econometric model predicted the same thing, that we thought that unemployment wouldn’t go much above 8 percent. My point in my statement was this recession was so much deeper, so much more profound than anyone - most people thought it was.”
Meantime, more storm clouds on the horizon – at the state level. Even after two years of budget cuts and tax hikes, the states are looking at a total budget gap of $127 billion. Governors and Mayors have warned Biden what’s coming next:
BIDEN: “I have spoken to well over 140 mayors and county execs. I do this once a week for a couple hours -- an hour each with them. And privately every single one of them have thanked me for the Act. But one of the things they’ve all said -- every one of them -- you think my situation is bad in 2010, Mr. Vice President, it’s worse in 2011.”
And that means:
BIDEN: "So that’s why a lot of folks ask why do we think we need to continue to have some counter-cyclical help for the states and localities -- because essential services, teachers, cops, firefighters, they’re going to be laying an awful lot of those folks off.”
Just one reason, Biden argues – why the stimulus is so essential – and why, he says, it’ll continue.
From the White House press room -- I’m Paul Brandus -- West Wing Report – for the Capitol News Connection.
*****
The Schedule
In the morning, the President will travel to Columbus, Ohio. The departure from the South Lawn and the arrival at Port Columbus International Airport are open press.
In Columbus, the President will meet with workers and deliver remarks at the site of the 10,000th Recovery Act road project to get underway - the first of many significant Recovery Act milestones coming this summer. The road improvement project in downtown Columbus is expected to create over 300 construction jobs and will contribute to the broader economic development effort underway in the area around Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The President’s remarks are open press.
In the afternoon, the President will return to Washington, D.C. The departure from Port Columbus International Airport and the arrival on the South Lawn are open press.
Later, the President will meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: The Hill
Radio: FOX
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: AFP
Radio: CBS
EDT
11:40AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Columbus, Ohio
Port Columbus International Airport
Open Press
12:05PM THE PRESIDENT tours Recovery Act Highway Project site
East Livingston Avenue & Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio
Travel Pool Coverage
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the economy
East Livingston Avenue & Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio
Open Press
12:55PM THE PRESIDENT departs Columbus, Ohio en route Washington, DC
Port Columbus International Airport
Open Press
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One.
*****
Today in Presidential History
...On this day in 1798, President Adams passes the Naturalization Act, the first of four pieces of legislation known together as the Alien and Sedition Acts, which were aimed at foreign nationals living in the U.S.
Adams’s Alien and Sedition Acts give more authority to the federal government, to deal with “suspicious persons,” especially foreign nationals who immigrated to the U.S.
The Naturalization Act said aliens had to live in the U.S. for 14 years before applying for citizenship; an earlier law had required only five years of residence.
Political opposition to the Alien & Sedition Acts helped undermine the Adams administration, helping Thomas Jefferson to win the presidency in 1800.
...On this day in 1812: The day after Congress voted to declare war against Great Britain, President Madison signs the declaration into law--and the War of 1812 began.
The war of 1812 began after a British economic blockade of France, the induction of American seaman into the British Royal Navy against their will, and the British support of hostile Indian tribes along the Great Lakes.
During the war of 1812, the British burned the White House and Capitol, in response to U.S. troops burning British buildings in Canada.
*****
Presidential Quote
"As to the Presidency, the two happiest days of my life were those of my entrance upon the office and my surrender of it." - Martin van Buren
*****
Have a question/comment for West Wing Report? Call 1-866-USA-0021 (872-0021), or e-mail: westwingrpt@gmail.com. All opinions are welcome & respected.
And for White House updates throughout the day, follow "WestWingReport" (one word) on Twitter. The Atlantic magazine calls Paul "One of the top Washington Insiders you should be following on Twitter."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
West Wing Report: June 17, 2010
West Wing Report: Show Me the Money – So BP has agreed to put $20 billion in an escrow account for individuals and businesses hurt by the oil spill. But it doesn’t end there. The company may wind up paying for a whole lot more than that – in a process that’s likely to play out over a period of many years. Paul Brandus has more from the White House:
"This $20 bilion will provide substantial assurance that claims people and businesses have will be honored. It's also important to emphasize this is not a cap. The people of the Gulf have my commitment that BP will meet its obligations to them." - President Obama yesterday
And that’s just the escrow account, for economic claims, as Obama pointed out. Totally separate from that are legal costs and possible criminal fines – which one Wall Street analyst this morning estimates could hit $63 billion – three times more than the $20 billion escrow account.
In their meeting yesterday, BP began by apologizing to the President for the accident. Obama accepted the apology. The oil company also told Obama it’s suspending its dividend for the rest of the year, which will free up billions in cash to help pay for all this.
Obama was glad to hear that, of course – but in a private Oval Office chat with BP’s chairman, the President said something too:
“And so I emphasized to the chairman that when he’s talking to shareholders, when he is in meetings in his boardroom, to keep in mind those individuals; that they are desperate; that some of them, if they don’t get relief quickly, may lose businesses that have been in their families for two or three generations. And the chairman assured me that he would keep them in mind.”
*****
No public appearances by the President today, it's all behind closed doors, and the emphasis this Thursday is the military. In addition to his usual intelligence, economic and oil spill briefings, Obama meets separately with the Veterans of Foreign War’s New Commander in Chief Tommy Tradewell, Navy Secretary Mabus and with Marine Corps Commandant Nominee General James Amos. The President also has his weekly meetings with Treasury Secretary Geithner and Secretary of State Clinton.
Looking ahead, Obama heads to Ohio for another jobs/economy event tomorrow.
The Schedule
EDT
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:35AM THE PRESIDENT meets with the Veterans of Foreign War’s New Commander in Chief Tommy Tradewell
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:25PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of the Navy Mabus
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:15PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Marine Corps Commandant Nominee General James Amos
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
2:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
###
On This Day
1972: Five men were arrested for breaking into Democratic National Committee hq in Washington’s Watergate building. The ensuing investigation eventually led to the biggest political scandal in American history, and the only resignation of a president – Richard Nixon – in Aug. 1974.
Presidential Quote
“Let us begin by committing ourselves to the truth...find the truth...speak the truth...live the truth.” - Richard Nixon
*****
Have a question/comment for West Wing Report? Call 1-866-USA-0021 (872-0021), or e-mail: westwingrpt@gmail.com. All opinions are welcome & respected.
And for White House updates throughout the day, follow "WestWingReport" (one word) on Twitter. The Atlantic magazine calls Paul "One of the top Washington Insiders you should be following on Twitter."
"This $20 bilion will provide substantial assurance that claims people and businesses have will be honored. It's also important to emphasize this is not a cap. The people of the Gulf have my commitment that BP will meet its obligations to them." - President Obama yesterday
And that’s just the escrow account, for economic claims, as Obama pointed out. Totally separate from that are legal costs and possible criminal fines – which one Wall Street analyst this morning estimates could hit $63 billion – three times more than the $20 billion escrow account.
In their meeting yesterday, BP began by apologizing to the President for the accident. Obama accepted the apology. The oil company also told Obama it’s suspending its dividend for the rest of the year, which will free up billions in cash to help pay for all this.
Obama was glad to hear that, of course – but in a private Oval Office chat with BP’s chairman, the President said something too:
“And so I emphasized to the chairman that when he’s talking to shareholders, when he is in meetings in his boardroom, to keep in mind those individuals; that they are desperate; that some of them, if they don’t get relief quickly, may lose businesses that have been in their families for two or three generations. And the chairman assured me that he would keep them in mind.”
*****
No public appearances by the President today, it's all behind closed doors, and the emphasis this Thursday is the military. In addition to his usual intelligence, economic and oil spill briefings, Obama meets separately with the Veterans of Foreign War’s New Commander in Chief Tommy Tradewell, Navy Secretary Mabus and with Marine Corps Commandant Nominee General James Amos. The President also has his weekly meetings with Treasury Secretary Geithner and Secretary of State Clinton.
Looking ahead, Obama heads to Ohio for another jobs/economy event tomorrow.
The Schedule
EDT
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:35AM THE PRESIDENT meets with the Veterans of Foreign War’s New Commander in Chief Tommy Tradewell
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:25PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of the Navy Mabus
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:15PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Marine Corps Commandant Nominee General James Amos
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
2:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
###
On This Day
1972: Five men were arrested for breaking into Democratic National Committee hq in Washington’s Watergate building. The ensuing investigation eventually led to the biggest political scandal in American history, and the only resignation of a president – Richard Nixon – in Aug. 1974.
Presidential Quote
“Let us begin by committing ourselves to the truth...find the truth...speak the truth...live the truth.” - Richard Nixon
*****
Have a question/comment for West Wing Report? Call 1-866-USA-0021 (872-0021), or e-mail: westwingrpt@gmail.com. All opinions are welcome & respected.
And for White House updates throughout the day, follow "WestWingReport" (one word) on Twitter. The Atlantic magazine calls Paul "One of the top Washington Insiders you should be following on Twitter."
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
West Wing Report: June 16, 2010
"For decades, we talked and talked about the need to end America's century-long addiction to fossil fuels. And for decades we have failed to act with the sense of urgenchy that this challenge requires." - President Obama last night
That could have been said decades ago – in fact, it pretty much was – but now, President Obama warns, the U.S. reliance on oil is a strategy that’s running on fumes.
The President is now pivoting towards one of the top three goals of his administration – an energy and climate bill. The House passed such a bill a year ago; a similar bill is now in the Senate.
He wants a price on carbon – and acknowledges the shift towards renewable energy won’t come cheap:
"Now there are costs associated with this transition. And there are some who believe that we can't afford those costs right now. I say we can't afford NOT to change how we produce and use energy. Because long-term, costs to our economy, our national security and our environment are far greater."
Speaking of costs – those top execs from BP are coming to the White House today – Obama will demand perhaps as much as 20-billion dollars from them to help pay for claims – the money going into an escrow account controlled by a third party.
Obama will get right to the point – the meeting is set to run less than 20 minutes.
*****
The Schedule
President Obama's long-awaited meeting with BP executives will be short: Just 20 minutes have been set aside for the Roosevelt Room showdown.
The major questions at this point are: who is the third party that will administer the escrow account to handle claims by individuals and businesses hurt by the catastrophic spill - and how much money will BP be asked/told to put into it? The number on Capitol Hill is $20 billion.
Obama will talk about the meeting in a Rose Garden statement to reporters at 12:15. Later he'll meet in the Oval with Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown (R) and make a speech to the American Nurses Association.
EDT
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT attend a meeting with BP executives
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
10:35AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:05AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 11:15AM – Final Gather 11:45AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Senator Scott Brown
Oval Office
Closed Press
5:35PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the American Nurses Association House of Delegates
Washington Hilton
Open to Pre-Credentialed Press (Travel Pool Gather Time 4:45PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
2:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
###
On This Day
On This Day: 1858: Future President Abraham Lincoln gave his famous “House divided” speech, warning that slavery was tearing America apart.
Borrowing a phrase from the New Testament, Lincoln said "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
On This Day. 1941: President Roosevelt ordered the closure of all German consulates in the United States.
Presidential Quote
“Politics would be a helluva good business if it weren't for the goddamned people.” - Richard M. Nixon
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Today in the West Wing: Tues. June 15
Tar balls on the beach – and those heart-breaking pictures of oil-soaked birds – President Obama claims that’s just part of the story on the Gulf Coast.
"There's still a lot of opportunity for visitors to come down here," he says. "There's a lot of beaches that are not yet affected or will not be affected."
That defiant vow is part of what you’ll hear tonight when the President speaks to the nation. But Obama has quite a sales job ahead of him. A USA Today/Gallup poll says 71% of Americans think he hasn’t been tough enough responding to the oil spill – and more than half rate his response as “poor” or “very poor.”
One reason for that poor -- or very poor – view – is his acknowledgement that nine weeks in – there’s still a lack of communication between all the different agencies responding to the crisis:
"We want to coordinate, at every level - federal, state and local - to make sure that we are leaving no stone unturned in terms of our ability to respond to this crisis."
The White House also hopes to lock down today a deal with BP to create an escrow account to pay individuals and businesses who’ve been effected by the Gulf gusher. That account could be something of a gusher itself – up to $20 billion – but some critics say even THAT might not be enough.
*****
The Schedule
The President's day begins in Pansacola, Fla., where he'll receive a briefing with Admiral Allen and local officials on efforts to fight the BP oil spill. He'll speak to military personnel at the Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Naval Air Technical Training Center, and then return to Washington for tonight's address to the nation - his first prime time speech from the Oval Office.
CDT
9:15AM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing with Admiral Allen and local officials on efforts to fight the BP oil spill
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Travel Pool Coverage
11:10AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at an event with military personnel
Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida
Open Press
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT departs Pensacola, Florida en route Washington, DC
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Open Press
EDT
8:00PM THE PRESIDENT addresses the nation
Oval Office
Pooled Press Coverage
*****
On This Day
1849: James K. Polk died. He was the eleventh President, serving between 1845-49. President Polk is best known for leading the nation into the Mexican-American war; U.S. forces conquered New Mexico, Calif. and Mexico City itself. Historians rank Polk as a very good President, in fact: the "least known consequential president" of the United States.”
Presidential Quote
"The Presidency is no bed of roses." - James Polk
"There's still a lot of opportunity for visitors to come down here," he says. "There's a lot of beaches that are not yet affected or will not be affected."
That defiant vow is part of what you’ll hear tonight when the President speaks to the nation. But Obama has quite a sales job ahead of him. A USA Today/Gallup poll says 71% of Americans think he hasn’t been tough enough responding to the oil spill – and more than half rate his response as “poor” or “very poor.”
One reason for that poor -- or very poor – view – is his acknowledgement that nine weeks in – there’s still a lack of communication between all the different agencies responding to the crisis:
"We want to coordinate, at every level - federal, state and local - to make sure that we are leaving no stone unturned in terms of our ability to respond to this crisis."
The White House also hopes to lock down today a deal with BP to create an escrow account to pay individuals and businesses who’ve been effected by the Gulf gusher. That account could be something of a gusher itself – up to $20 billion – but some critics say even THAT might not be enough.
*****
The Schedule
The President's day begins in Pansacola, Fla., where he'll receive a briefing with Admiral Allen and local officials on efforts to fight the BP oil spill. He'll speak to military personnel at the Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Naval Air Technical Training Center, and then return to Washington for tonight's address to the nation - his first prime time speech from the Oval Office.
CDT
9:15AM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing with Admiral Allen and local officials on efforts to fight the BP oil spill
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Travel Pool Coverage
11:10AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at an event with military personnel
Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida
Open Press
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT departs Pensacola, Florida en route Washington, DC
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Open Press
EDT
8:00PM THE PRESIDENT addresses the nation
Oval Office
Pooled Press Coverage
*****
On This Day
1849: James K. Polk died. He was the eleventh President, serving between 1845-49. President Polk is best known for leading the nation into the Mexican-American war; U.S. forces conquered New Mexico, Calif. and Mexico City itself. Historians rank Polk as a very good President, in fact: the "least known consequential president" of the United States.”
Presidential Quote
"The Presidency is no bed of roses." - James Polk
Monday, June 14, 2010
Today in the West Wing
A poker term comes to mind: all in. President Obama is now putting all his chips - and perhaps his presidency - on the line now with his response to the catastrophic oil spil.
He's off to the Gulf zone today for a two-day trip, his fourth since the crisis began, and when he gets back he'll make a dramatic primetime address to the nation from the Oval Office. Then, on Wednesday, a White House showdown with the chairman of BP; Obama will demand as much as $20 billion from the oil company to pay claims from people and businesses who have been hurt by the disaster.
All this is designed to show an angry and frustrated American public what's being done - and that Obama is fully in command of the crisis, as it nears its two month anniversary.
The money from BP would go into an escrow account and administered independently. Of Wednesday's White House meeting, a BP spokesman says "We want to explain what we're doing, but we'll also be very much in listening mode."
Meantime, the President is now comparing the oil catastrophe to the September 11 terrorist attacks. He thinks the psychological impact is sweeping, and will change the way Americans think about energy and the environment.
*****
The Schedule
EDT
11:35AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Biloxi, Mississippi
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
Open Press
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing with Admiral Allen and local officials on efforts to fight the BP oil spill
Coast Guard Station Gulfport
Travel Pool Coverage
1:25PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a roundtable and meets with local residents
Gulfport, Mississippi
Travel Pool Coverage
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT departs Biloxi, Mississippi en route Theodore, Alabama
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
Travel Pool Coverage
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT arrives Theodore, Alabama
Travel Pool Coverage
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT tours the Theodore Staging Facility
Theodore, Alabama
Travel Pool Coverage
4:40PM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press
Theodore Staging Facility, Theodore, Alabama
Open Press
5:35PM THE PRESIDENT travels from Dauphin Island, Alabama to Fort Morgan, Alabama
Dauphin Island Ferry Loading Zone, Dauphin Island, Alabama
Travel Pool Coverage
6:05PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Fort Morgan, Alabama
Fort Morgan, Alabama
Travel Pool Coverage
8:25PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Pensacola, Florida
Travel Pool Coverage
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
*****
On This Day
1922: Warren G. Harding, became the first President to have his voice transmitted by radio. It began a revolutionary shift in the way Presidents communicated w/the American public.
The first President to really understand the power of radio was Roosevelt. It remains an effective tool today, reaching 93% of consumers weekly – far more than the internet.
Presidential Quote
“About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends.” - Herbert Hoover
He's off to the Gulf zone today for a two-day trip, his fourth since the crisis began, and when he gets back he'll make a dramatic primetime address to the nation from the Oval Office. Then, on Wednesday, a White House showdown with the chairman of BP; Obama will demand as much as $20 billion from the oil company to pay claims from people and businesses who have been hurt by the disaster.
All this is designed to show an angry and frustrated American public what's being done - and that Obama is fully in command of the crisis, as it nears its two month anniversary.
The money from BP would go into an escrow account and administered independently. Of Wednesday's White House meeting, a BP spokesman says "We want to explain what we're doing, but we'll also be very much in listening mode."
Meantime, the President is now comparing the oil catastrophe to the September 11 terrorist attacks. He thinks the psychological impact is sweeping, and will change the way Americans think about energy and the environment.
*****
The Schedule
EDT
11:35AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Biloxi, Mississippi
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
Open Press
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing with Admiral Allen and local officials on efforts to fight the BP oil spill
Coast Guard Station Gulfport
Travel Pool Coverage
1:25PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a roundtable and meets with local residents
Gulfport, Mississippi
Travel Pool Coverage
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT departs Biloxi, Mississippi en route Theodore, Alabama
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
Travel Pool Coverage
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT arrives Theodore, Alabama
Travel Pool Coverage
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT tours the Theodore Staging Facility
Theodore, Alabama
Travel Pool Coverage
4:40PM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press
Theodore Staging Facility, Theodore, Alabama
Open Press
5:35PM THE PRESIDENT travels from Dauphin Island, Alabama to Fort Morgan, Alabama
Dauphin Island Ferry Loading Zone, Dauphin Island, Alabama
Travel Pool Coverage
6:05PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Fort Morgan, Alabama
Fort Morgan, Alabama
Travel Pool Coverage
8:25PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Pensacola, Florida
Travel Pool Coverage
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
*****
On This Day
1922: Warren G. Harding, became the first President to have his voice transmitted by radio. It began a revolutionary shift in the way Presidents communicated w/the American public.
The first President to really understand the power of radio was Roosevelt. It remains an effective tool today, reaching 93% of consumers weekly – far more than the internet.
Presidential Quote
“About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends.” - Herbert Hoover
Friday, June 11, 2010
The West Wing Today: June 11, 2010
***** UPDATE *****
Yesterday, White House bureau chief Paul Brandus reported that in order to get Russia to back U.N. sanctions on Iran, the White House made what could be considered a dangerous concession - allowing the Russians to sell anti-aircraft missiles to the Iranians. Brandus asked the president's press secretary about it:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/06/10/question_to_gibbs_is_deal_with_russians_on_iran_putting_americans_lives_at_risk.html
Thanks to Real Clear Politics Video for their terrific assistance.
*****
Not sure if it'll be, to use the president's phrase, an "ass kicking," but the White House has "requested" that BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg come to the White House n Wednesday for a chat (read the letter here: http://bit.ly/dno3Y7). Funny: usually people are "invited" to the White House, as opposed to being "requested" to appear.
Today, the President has the usual intelligence and oil spill briefings, then meets with small business owners to discuss job creation. He'll comment on this in the Rose Garden at 11:00. Leter, Obama has his weekly meeting with Secretary of State Clinton.
The President's last scheduled appointment is 11:45 (with Clinton) - something may be up for the afternoon. Stay tuned.
The Schedule
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:40AM THE PRESIDENT meets with small business owners
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press on his small business jobs initiatives
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 10:00AM – Final Gather 10:30AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
###
Yesterday, White House bureau chief Paul Brandus reported that in order to get Russia to back U.N. sanctions on Iran, the White House made what could be considered a dangerous concession - allowing the Russians to sell anti-aircraft missiles to the Iranians. Brandus asked the president's press secretary about it:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/06/10/question_to_gibbs_is_deal_with_russians_on_iran_putting_americans_lives_at_risk.html
Thanks to Real Clear Politics Video for their terrific assistance.
*****
Not sure if it'll be, to use the president's phrase, an "ass kicking," but the White House has "requested" that BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg come to the White House n Wednesday for a chat (read the letter here: http://bit.ly/dno3Y7). Funny: usually people are "invited" to the White House, as opposed to being "requested" to appear.
Today, the President has the usual intelligence and oil spill briefings, then meets with small business owners to discuss job creation. He'll comment on this in the Rose Garden at 11:00. Leter, Obama has his weekly meeting with Secretary of State Clinton.
The President's last scheduled appointment is 11:45 (with Clinton) - something may be up for the afternoon. Stay tuned.
The Schedule
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:40AM THE PRESIDENT meets with small business owners
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press on his small business jobs initiatives
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 10:00AM – Final Gather 10:30AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
###
Thursday, June 10, 2010
West Wing Report: June 10, 2010
The oil spill eats up a big chunk of President Obama's day. In addition to his daily briefing on the spill and response efforts, Obama will discuss the situation with lawmakers in a Cabinet Room sitdown. Also on the agenda: the economy and the summer session of Congress. Invited to attend are House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and House Minority Leader John Boehner.
In the afternoon, the President meets with the family members of those killed on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the State Dining Room; he sent a letter to each of the families extending the invitation last week.
And speaking of energy, Obama also meets with business leaders this and energy experts this afternoon. Agenda: Let's speed things up development of solar, wind and other forms of clean power.
The Schedule
EDT
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Cabinet Room
Closed Press
11:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with bipartisan members of Congress
Cabinet Room
Pool spray at the bottom (Gather Time 11:55AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with the family members of those killed on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig
State Dining Room
Closed Press
2:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Senator Specter
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with business leaders and energy experts to discuss energy reform
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
For Paul's White House updates throughout the day, follow "WestWingReport" (one word) on Twitter. The Atlantic magazine calls Paul "One of the top Washington Insiders you should be folowing on Twitter."
In the afternoon, the President meets with the family members of those killed on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the State Dining Room; he sent a letter to each of the families extending the invitation last week.
And speaking of energy, Obama also meets with business leaders this and energy experts this afternoon. Agenda: Let's speed things up development of solar, wind and other forms of clean power.
The Schedule
EDT
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Cabinet Room
Closed Press
11:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with bipartisan members of Congress
Cabinet Room
Pool spray at the bottom (Gather Time 11:55AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with the family members of those killed on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig
State Dining Room
Closed Press
2:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Senator Specter
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with business leaders and energy experts to discuss energy reform
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
For Paul's White House updates throughout the day, follow "WestWingReport" (one word) on Twitter. The Atlantic magazine calls Paul "One of the top Washington Insiders you should be folowing on Twitter."
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Today in the West Wing: Wednesday, June 9
Palestinian Leader Visits
The intractable mess known as the Middle East is high on the President's agenda today. He'll host Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, who is seething - as the President is privately - over that deadly Israeli raid on ships bringing aid to Gaza.
The raid left nine civilians, including an American, dead, sparking global fury against the Jewish state and setting back Obama's efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
The White House calls the tight restrictions on Gaza "untenable," and has joined joined other foreign governments and the United Nations in calling for an inquiry into the raid.
Abbas's visit comes a week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his own White House visit to deal with the crisis.
Quick Bites
National Debt: Up, Up and Away...Did you miss the Friday night data dump? The U.S. debt - expected to top $13.6 trillion this year - will soar another 44% to $19.6 trillion in just five years. That's according to a Treasury Department report sent to Congress very quietly just as the weekend began. The ratio of debt to GDP would rise to 102% by 2015 from 93% this year.
Back to the Gulf...Obama will travel to the Gulf region again on Monday and Tuesday for another close up look at the oil spill - and what's being done about it. This time, he'll visit Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
Veto Threat...The White House is threatening to veto of legislation that would strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) is expected to ask the Senate Thursday to vote on her "disapproval resolution" tomorrow.
SCOTUS Watch...Confirmation hearings draw neart for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Today she'll visit more Senators on Capitol Hill: Inouye, Webb, DeMint, Begich, and Coburn.
Latest Obama Polls...Approve: 48.0%, Disapprove: 45.9% (Real Clear Politics avg)
President's Wednesday Schedule
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority
Oval Office
Pool Spray at the Bottom (Gather Time 11:55AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
The intractable mess known as the Middle East is high on the President's agenda today. He'll host Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, who is seething - as the President is privately - over that deadly Israeli raid on ships bringing aid to Gaza.
The raid left nine civilians, including an American, dead, sparking global fury against the Jewish state and setting back Obama's efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
The White House calls the tight restrictions on Gaza "untenable," and has joined joined other foreign governments and the United Nations in calling for an inquiry into the raid.
Abbas's visit comes a week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his own White House visit to deal with the crisis.
Quick Bites
National Debt: Up, Up and Away...Did you miss the Friday night data dump? The U.S. debt - expected to top $13.6 trillion this year - will soar another 44% to $19.6 trillion in just five years. That's according to a Treasury Department report sent to Congress very quietly just as the weekend began. The ratio of debt to GDP would rise to 102% by 2015 from 93% this year.
Back to the Gulf...Obama will travel to the Gulf region again on Monday and Tuesday for another close up look at the oil spill - and what's being done about it. This time, he'll visit Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
Veto Threat...The White House is threatening to veto of legislation that would strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) is expected to ask the Senate Thursday to vote on her "disapproval resolution" tomorrow.
SCOTUS Watch...Confirmation hearings draw neart for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Today she'll visit more Senators on Capitol Hill: Inouye, Webb, DeMint, Begich, and Coburn.
Latest Obama Polls...Approve: 48.0%, Disapprove: 45.9% (Real Clear Politics avg)
President's Wednesday Schedule
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority
Oval Office
Pool Spray at the Bottom (Gather Time 11:55AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
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